Everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal in Ladysmith, BC.
For teens 17 years up to patients 24 years old, wisdom teeth removal is a somewhat expected procedure, which tends to lead to some hilarious post-surgery videos. While the actual one -hour procedure is fairly simple, most young patients are more nervous about the recovery process for wisdom teeth removal. Will I remember the surgery? How long will recovery take? When will swelling go down? Will it be painful to eat? Why can’t I use a straw?
This guide will answer all those questions and hopefully, provide some peace of mind for young adults nearing their wisdom teeth removal surgery. At Ladysmith Smiles, we aim to schedule wisdom teeth extractions when patients are between 17 and 24 years old, as this age range tends to heal most efficiently.
The aftercare instructions discussed in this article are applicable for any tooth extraction, but should not replace the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed
Wisdom teeth are the third set of large molars to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Oftentimes, young adults do not have room for these wisdom teeth to come in and have already had braces or other cosmetic treatments to straighten their smiles. When the wisdom teeth emerge, shifting, overlapping and the following other issues may occur:
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Damage to the jaw
- Sinus problems
- Sensitivity and pain
- Inflamed gums
Not all patients require wisdom teeth removal. For those who have the space for this third set of molars to emerge properly, there is nothing wrong with keeping them. To learn what is best for your smile, book your appointment with Dr. Stymiest and the Ladysmith Smiles team.
How To Prepare For Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Before your wisdom tooth extraction at Ladysmith Smiles, it’s important you follow the pre-procedure directions given to you during your consultation extremely carefully. Some of these important notes include but aren’t limited to:
- Arrive early for your procedure to begin preparation with the Ladysmith Smiles team—we will let you know exactly how early, but typically you can expect to need to be in the office 45 minutes prior to your procedure
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Have your recovery space set up with everything you might need (we’ll discuss this later on in the article)
- Do an extremely thorough floss and brush of your teeth prior to your procedure (you will not be able to do this for the first 24 hours post procedure)
- Secure your transportation buddy and if possible, a caregiver for the first hour or two post procedure—with oral sedation you’ll be super sleepy and need a legal guardian or friend over the age of 18 to get your prescription and take you home
What To Expect During Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When you arrive for your procedure, typically 45 minutes prior to the scheduled surgery time, you will be greeted by the friendly Ladysmith Smiles team as usual. Having already had a consultation with Dr. Nadia Stymiest, the pre-procedure process should be somewhat familiar. Arrive in comfortable clothing with a clean face (you’ll be too tender to wash makeup off later) and a thoroughly clean smile as you won’t be able to brush your teeth for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
Though not always necessary, oftentimes patients will be given oral sedation (Ativan) or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to assist with the discomfort experienced during the hour long procedure. At Ladysmith Smiles, we are able to offer this service in-office. Patients are able to have their guardian or campanian with them in the room until surgery preparations are complete, at which point, they will be asked to move to the waiting room for the duration of the hour-long procedure. Once the wisdom teeth are removed, gauze will be placed in each of the extraction points. The patient will slowly regain awareness once the procedure is complete and their guardian will be able to join them in the recovery room at this point.
Immediately post-procedure, patients will feel extremely swollen; however, the local freezing and pain medication should mean they do not feel too much pain. During this time, the patient may still be slightly relaxed from the Ativan or Nitrous Oxide—parents, this is the perfect time to film some hilarious videos to show them late! Patients cannot drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or perform any tasks that could jeopardize the safety of others while taking their prescription of pain pills.
What To Expect The First 24 Hours Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction
First 24 hours after your wisdom teeth extraction procedure are the most important for the healing process. Though you can use this as a guide, please follow the exact aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional extremely carefully.
The first goal in your recovery is to ensure that blood clots form where the teeth were pulled to stop the bleeding. For the first hour after your extraction, you’ll need to bite on the gauze packs placed by your dentist. It is likely the gauze pack will need to be changed after that. Make sure the gauze pack is moistened prior to placing it over the wound to prevent the blood clot or gums from sticking to the gauze, which could cause pain on removal. If you are experiencing a bad taste in your mouth, it is likely from the blood. Once numbing subsides, hydrate continuously (but not using a straw) to help with bad breath or taste. Gently wipe the area before replacing the gauze. To help with swelling, apply a cold compress to both cheeks for 20 minutes every hour for the first 36 hours. Swelling after surgery is a nofilllal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts 4 to 6 days.
It is likely you’ll be extremely tired during the first day, but remember to keep your head elevated even while sleeping. We recommend covering your pillowcase if you’re still experiencing bleeding. This is a good day to eat applesauce, ice cream and other extremely soft, gentle foods. As numbing wears off after three to four hours, you may need to take tylenol and/or aspirin. Follow the instructions provided by your dental healthcare provider.
What To Expect The First 48 Hours Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction
With the during-surgery medication completely worn off, the second day of recovery is often the most uncomfortable. Remember to continue to take Tylenol and Advil as directed and apply cold compresses for 20 minutes every hour. By evening, you’ll likely be ready to ease off on icing. It is normal to feel achy and tender for a few days after your procedure, so continue when needed.
In the next few days as you begin to recover and eat more solid foods (pasta, etc.), food is going to want to get stuck in the extraction areas. Use a syringe and salt water to gently rinse and ensure all food is out. Do not swish or vigorously rinse using your cheeks. Instead, move your entire head.
Expect to need between three and seven days of healing time, but understand that everyone recovers differently. It’s best to make backup arrangements for any school, work or plans for at least a week. You may feel tenderness and feel low energy for up to two weeks. If you are feeling a dull pain or experience bleeding after day seven, contact your dental professional as it could be an infection.
What NOT To Do After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Do not spit
- Do not use a straw
- Do not floss and brush the extraction areas
- Do not vigorously rinse or swish
- Do not suck on anything
- Do not vape or smoke (for at least 12 hours after your procedure, but preferably a week to avoid an increased risk of dry socket)
- Do not elevate your heart rate with exercise, saunas or hot tubs (for at least 72 hours)
- Do not have hot beverages or foods
- Do not eat spicy foods
- Do not drink carbonated drinks
- Do not consume alcohol
- Do not touch stitches
What To Do After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes every hour (for at least 36 hours)
- Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical site
- Take Tylenol and Advil as required
- If prescribed antibiotics, finish the full prescribed duration
- Eat soft nutritious foods
- Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea
- Lie with your head elevated (for at least 24 hours)
- Rinse with salt water and syringe after every snack or meal (after the first 24 hours)
- Stay extremely hydrated, but don’t use a straw!
- Follow your home-care instructions carefully and call the office if you have any questions or concerns at 250-245-8558.
How To Avoid Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Luckily, if you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional, dry socket is easily avoidable post wisdom teeth removal. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the extraction area, exposing the open wound or bone to food, debris and air. If you’re experiencing bad breath, severe pain and visible bone seven days after your wisdom teeth removal, contact your dentist immediately. Approximately two to five percent of patients experience dry socket after extraction surgery, and it’s likely those individuals did not follow aftercare instructions completely. Drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks or out of a straw can contribute to developing dry socket. Follow your surgical home care instructions as carefully as possible and embrace the downtime.
What To Eat Post Wisdom Teeth Extraction
General rule is that if it hurts to eat, do not eat it. You’ll likely not be eating anything crunching for a minimum of two weeks. You’ll also need to avoid any hot drinks and foods and spicy foods. Here are some soft foods you may want to stock up before your wisdom tooth surgery:
- Ice cream
- Mash potatoes
- Hummus
- Noodles
- Mac n’ cheese
- Pudding
- Smoothies (but no straws!!!)
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft pancakes
- Jello
- Applesauce
To avoid infection, we recommend avoiding popcorn and any berries or vegetables with seeds for at least a month. These kernels and seeds can get stuck in the extraction areas and cause serious infection that could delay the recovery time. We also cannot stress this enough: Do not use a straw to eat or drink anything for at least seven days post surgery. The change of pressure can cause the extraction points to reopen and increase your recovery time and risk for infection.
What To Buy Before Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
We recommend you make a shopping list including the soft foods you’d like to eat for the first seven days post-procedure and the following essential recovery items:
- Teynol
- Ibuprofen
- Soft ice packs
- Table salt
- Gauze (though your dentist will likely give you some, you’ll likely need more)
What To Do Before Your Wisdom Tooth Removal
Set up an aftercare headquarters with everything you may need. You may need to be off from work and/or school between three and seven days, spending the majority of your time sedentary. Along with spending your days focused on your recovery plan, you may want to set up some books, sedentary activities, choose some shows you’ve been meaning to watch and make sure you have the essential recovery items close—this includes all the medicines, gauze and other items mentioned above. You’ll also want to ensure you have pillows and blankets to keep your head elevated for at least 48 hours. Talking and smiling may cause pain in the first few days post-procedure. Be gentle with yourself and opt and have the devices you need to text or email rather than pick up the phone. It may also be helpful to have a “Sedititary To-Do List” ready for when you get bored of binge watching. This is a good time to schedule personal appointments online, clean up desktop, sort tax information and empty your email inbox. Above all else, recovery should be your number one priority—naps are encouraged!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Ladysmith, BC
Ladysmith Smiles is a friendly and accessible dentist office providing wisdom teeth extraction in Ladysmith, BC. Dr. Nadia Stymiest and the Ladysmith Smiles team offer wisdom teeth consultations for current and new patients over the age of 17. For more information, contact our team.